AN 



ORATION 

PRONOUNCED AT ORLEANS, 

JULY 4, 1809. 
THIRTY FIRST ANNIVERSARY 01- 

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. 



By JOTHAM WATERMAN, 

Minister of the Gospel in Barnstable. 



— — My kingdom is not of this world St. John. 

Am I, therefore, become your enemy, because 
I tell you the truth ? St. Paul 



BOSTON : 

PRINTED BY JOSHUA BELCHER. 
1809. 



£L 2 



ORATION. 



HEARERS, FELLOW-CITIZENS, AND CHRISTIANS, 

' Th e Lord hath done great things for us, 
whereof we are glad." With joy congenial, we cele- 
brate the wonderful and kind interpositions of Divine 
Providence, which are called to mind, by the return of 
this important anniversary. He would say, in a politi- 
cal sense, this is the day, the Lord hath made, we will 5 
as faithful citizens, rejoice and be glad therein. 

The speaker, on this joyful occasion, is more fre- 
quently selected from the bar, than from the pulpit. 
The latter selection however is, by no means, inadmis- 
sible, for every christian ought to be an active patriot. 
Any farther apology I need not make, for my personal 
appearance, in this place and upon this occasion, and 
shall, therefore, proceed to collect some of the many 
objects of discussion, which are interspersed in the 
field, I am now to travel. 

To attempt tracing the extensive chain of causes 
and effects, that led America to independence, and 
with the beauties of rhetoric, united with the force of 
metaphysical disquisition, to prove the justice of those 
measures, by which she became severed from Great 
Britain, would be too laborious for the speaker ; too 
far intruding on precious time, beside that, which is not 



a fact," presupposing ignorance of historical facts, 1 in 
this crowded and respectable auditory. 

To tread the before mentioned long beaten path, 
and to compress its multitudinous and circuitous 
events, to the limits of a brief Oration or Address 
would be like the philosopher's reducing all the real 
matter in the universe, to the bulk of a walnut. 

Gratitude to the origin and protractor of all good, 
for the innumerable blessings, which have been liberal- 
ly conferred, on the free and enlightened sons of 
Columbia, should this day feelingly move the breast 
of every American whose heart is not callous to the 
unadulterated sensibilities of patriotism. 

Fully persuaded I am, that I sincerely rejoice in this 
day, and that you all, who know your best interests 
and obligations to secure them, unite with me. Fully 
persuaded I am, that every one, who justly claims the 
honour of a good neighbour, a gentleman, a patriot, 
and a christian, will cover, with the mantle of charity, 
those imperfections in the speaker, that are natural to 
man, and which fail not to be rendered into criminal 
allegations by such, as see only through the jaundiced 
perspective of party. This great pest to civil socie- 
ty I would gladly and victoriously combat. While, I 
attempt to do it, I have this satisfaction, that I am no 
Tory nor the son of a Tory and also the candour to 
own, with extreme regret, that many are branded with 
this all odious name, who deserve it not. 

Party has run too high for our national good. 
Would to heaven, it were reduced to its just limits, to 
differ in friendship, that the ups no more retaliate upon 
the downs* Could I instil into your minds, and the 



minds of all my fellow citizens, the importance and 
wisdom of overcoming evil with good ; the great utili- 
ty of venerating national concord and forbearance, I 
would dare to predict that the harmless dove of Inde- 
pendence, would not cease to perch on the branching 
willows of America, " while the earth shall bear a plant* 
or the sea roll its waves." 

The happy fruits of Independence, the wisdom of 
union, in opposition to discord and rendering collisions, 
receive the weighty, the mature and well digested 
blessing of an Adams, second to America's first 
glory. — But sorry I am to say it, that he has seen 
the scripture literally fulfilled. " A man's foes shall 
be those of his own household," he has had his Hosan- 
nas, and now, he is daily crucified and slain because he 
tells the truth ; because he has a little passed the age 
of man. 3 Behold a party come to the last resort ! To 
depreciate his writings, hear and be astonished at the 
charge,, he has become superannuated ! ! — Fellow citi- 
zens peruse, and reperuse his writings. They are full. 
of mental sanity and true patriotism. They attest to 
his ever having been a true Republican. His age is 
but a little more than the learned doctor's, who, the last 
general election displayed all his ingenuity and erudi- 
tion upon Jothanx's parable I How different this aged 
statesman and philosopher, from that grey headed di- 
vine, who compares Mr. Jefferson to the bramble, in 
the before named parable ! 

Hear what Mr. Adams says to the contrary. " I 
sought and obtained an interview with Mr. Jefferson. 
1 had lived with him on terms of intimate friendship 
for five and twenty years, had acted with him in dan- 



I 

gerous times and arduous conflicts, and always found 
him assiduous, laborious, and as far, as I could judge, 
faithful and upright." And speaking of Mr. Madison, 
he thus observes. " I had long wished to avail myself 
and the public of the fine talents and amiable qualities 
and manners of Mr. Madison." And again " of Jef- 
ferson," whom some to their honour have called negro 
and French president ! ! he says, " I will not take leave 
without declaring my opinion, that the accusations 
against him, of blind devotion to France ; of hostility 
to England ; of hatred to commerce ; of partiality and 
duplicity in his late negociations with the belligerent 
powers are, ■without foundation" 

That Mr. Madison does back this eulogy upon his 
predecessor, may be seen by a multitude of documents, 
that may be easily obtained, and which also liberate 
Mr. Adams from the ungenerous charge of being su- 
perannuated. They, who make it, know in their own 
hearts, they make a lie and work an abomination. In 
the science of theology, natural and christian, and in 
the science of jurisprudence, Mr. Adams rises infinite- 
ly superior to an Osgood, 4 an Emmons, 5 a Spring, and 
a Parish. This Quaternion is honoured with a diplo- 
ma, which they have severally dishonoured by their ex- 
treme political party zeal. The first has called Mr. 
Jefferson a bramble ; the second has compared him to 
Jereboam ; the third has put in his oar, and the fourth 
has called him the Antichrist. Could they lead the 
standing order of the clergy to the same measure of ex- 
cess, to which they have themselves gone, sectarians in 
church, would ere long, supplant them and their fol- 
lowers. The clergy have not been altogether so pru- 



7 

dent, as they ought to have been : 6 Had they acted in 
their proper sphere, republicans would not have said 
nor done, what they have, in some instances, against 
them. Let the ministers of the gospel preach Jesus 
Christ and him crucified, and set those, as one again, 
who are at variance, and they will not then lug gun- 
boats and the bramble into the sacred desk. 7 

Concord is what every good man and citizen will 
approve and pursue. Hence, he will be more pleased 
with those ministers of the gospel, who are not high, 
nor intolerant in their political sentiments, but are dis- 
posed to render unto Cesar the things, that are Cesar'' s, 
and unto God the things which are God's. — Because the 
standing order of the clergy, have been such thorough 
adepts in federalism, the methodists and baptists have 
so far increased ; and unless the former desist saying so 
much about the bramble, the latter will find, as they 
have already done, a feast of fat things.* There will 
be partizans in church as well as in state. Both I con- 
temn, just so much as I love Independence in the latter, 
or venerate religion in the former. I know of no pol- 
itics apart from this, be they under the colour of feder- 
alism or republicanism. I contemn all foolish divisions, 
and continual versatility of sentiment, carried round 
by the wheel of honour and profit. 

I presume, fellow citizens and christians, that with 
me, you respect those Americans, who provide things 
honest in the sight of all men and all parties, who follow 
whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, 
and of good report. — If you do, then are we all firm 
advocates for national concord. This is recommended 
to us in the great volume of nature, and in the all-ex- 



8 

panding volume of divine revelation. The deplor- 
ble effects of its opposite, compose a principal part of 
ancient and modern history, and are most pathetically 
and patriotically remonstrated against, in the never to 
forgotten legacy of the father of his country, the im- 
mortal Washington. 

It is unhappy for our common country, there are 
those, not few in number, who profess to receive him, 
as godfather in politics, who yet not only in sentiment, 
but in practice absolutely deny him. Would to heav- 
en, they might clearly see, and candidly own-their ex- 
treme folly, in thus not only politically crucifying him 
afresh and putting him to open shame, but in unfeel- 
ingly deflouring and unturfing his grave. — His shades 
will not be troubled for nought. Though dead, he yet 
speaketh to us, to frown indignantly upon every meas- 
ure, calculated in issue, to rend asunder the union of 
these United States. Shall we then, as we would 
respect his counsels, smile instead of frowning upon 
such, as have highly approved of a division of the 
Union, and warmly seconded, if not leaded in the 
evasions of those laws of the general government, which 
were the offspring of imperious necessity, laid upon 
us by foreign nations, and more especially by our 
mother country, who has it in her power to hurt us 
most. 9 She has done us more injury, since our national 
birth or independence, than all the other nations upon 
earth. But I must stop, or I shall be charged with 
French influence, which God knows would be an un- 
just allegation. I have no partiality for any nation but 
my own. I am no disorganize^ I am not a bramble, 
and though not a Sir, Isaac Newton, I am not superan- 



9 

tiuaied. If to be a patriot, and deliver the truth, re 
specting the dangers which have threatened, and which 
still menace the country, is to be superannuated, would 
to kind heaven, every American were superannuated. 

Every rational man and legitimate patriot acknowl- 
edges it his indispensable duty, to seek the happiness 
not only of his own children, but of his neighbours, 
and therefore of the community to which he belongs, 
as this is made up of a greater, or less number of neigh- 
bourhoods. He will be obedient to law and order, and 
voluntm^ grant, that it is better, patiently to endure, 
manfully to support, and patriotically to laud a tempo- 
rary evil, when thereby he is liberated, in probability, 
from eternal depredation and plunder. 

The Embargo was a temporary evil, and yet as 
wise a measure (omnibus consideratis considerandis J as 
ever was adopted, by the American government. 9 — We 
readily concede, it was embarrassing to some of our 
fellow citizens, who will, when commerce shall again 
have obtained its former activity and profit, know how 
not only to prize it, but how justly to contemn all at- 
tacks upon it, by foreign nations, disposed to intrude 
upon our national hospitality and justice. It has prov- 
ed, contrary to federal prediction and declaration, in 
happy degree, a coercive measure. 10 — It has saved our 
shipping ; it has saved our men, who have given a no- 
ble addition to agriculture, having their attention called 
to it. It has lengthened out the lives of many and their 
enjoyments among their friends upon the land. — It has 
taught us economy and prudence. 

While, great men here, as by some called, have 
warmly disapprobated this measure, still greater men 



10 

across the water, have frankly owned its energy and the 
justice of its adoption, and so have exposed the folly of 
those Americans, who have spoken against their own 
interest, and that of their posterity, in thus ridiculing 
a measure of Administration, which they ought to 
have applauded. 

Let the infuriated members of the Essex Junto fall 
back and give place to superior understanding, and the 
brighter examples of patriotism, in favor of our inde- 
pendence as so nobly exhibited, in the ever to be re- 
corded speeches of a lord Grenville and a HP? Whit- 
bread. One syllable, from either of these true friends 
to America's rights, is as much above whole volumes 
from a Sloane, a Hillhouse, a Pickering, and a Quin- 
cy, 11 as the Andes are above a molehill. — Wonderful 
penetration, singular knowledge and patriotism, the 
latter possess, if the country's good is more their ob- 
ject, than their own self aggrandisements ! ! 

If to patriotism we lend our aid, and to concord its 
patron, our humble veneration, we shall bestow our sa- 
cred pzeans on those only, who have had' the good of 
the land in view. Among whom we may reckon a 
John Q. Adams, an Anderson, a Smith, and a Giles. 
These with many others, have some information, if no 
money nor religion ! ! They speak well. " Out of the 
bundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." 

Amidst the joys of this day, we sorely lament the 
delusion, which has too far prevailed, that federalism 
and religion are synonymous terms ! Happy America, 
this delusion appears to be on its wane y the bramble 12 
notwithstanding. 



11 

Religion is not confined to any one party. — Repub- 
licans have religion as well as their opponents. When 
about to settle a minister of the gospel, they have not 
been so eagle eyed to discover the political sentiments 
of the candidate, as the federalists have been. 13 Whefe 
they have had but a few of these to oppose, they have 
scarcely made any inquiry into his sentiments, aside 
from religions ; religion is not to be determined by fed- 
eralism, nor by republicanism. This tune has been 
played long enough, thank heaven, it begins no more to 
threaten our independence. 

Mr. Madison 14 is not charged with being an infidel, 
when there is as much room for doing it, as there ever 
was for alleging it against Mr. Jefferson. 

The numerous enormities, and jealousies, and false- 
hoods, that have disturbed this country, took their ori- 
gin from a greediness, for loaves and fishes of office. — 
This greediness displays itself in the hypocricy of not 
a few, and reminds us of the speech of Caius Marius 
to the Rom ins. " It is but too common, my country- 
" men, to observe a material difference between the be- 
" haviour of those, who stand candidates for places of 
"power and trust, before and after their obtaining them. 
" They solicit them in one way, and execute them in 
"another." Behold then, with just estimation and 
charity, the man sowing the seed of discord, and excit- 
ing disaffection towards the measures of the general 
government, to obtain an office, and on obtaining it, af- 
ter a very prolix recommendation of religion, enjoining 
on all his fellow citizens to bury all party dissensions, 
for fear, the same he has measured to others, should be 
measured to him again. 



12 

Arc we to expect a government perfectly free from 
error ? Are we to expect one, which shall bear nothing 
but olive berries and Jigs ? Are we to expect one en- 
tirely free from the bramble ? Why then all the noise, 
as if the heavens and the earth were coming together, 
because a measure was adopted by the last adminis- 
tration, wholly approved o." by tl e present, and which, 
contrary to what has been said and written, thank hea- 
ven, has brought our mother country, at last, to treat 
us, in some small degree, as children. — What this mea- 
sure wanted in effect, owing to the repeated violations 
of it by those, who consider themselves the exclusive 
patriots of the land, has under a propitious and over- 
ruling Providence been made up, in some degree by 
her ill success in Spain. Charity begins at home, and 
hence, it would be more advisable to give a feast to 
our own, than to the Spanish patriots. We deny not 
our duty to wish God- speed to all true patriots and 
christians. We deny not our duty to fast when it be 
not through debate and strife. W T e deny not our duty 
to respect all honest men and institutions of utility, and 
especially those of religion. 

But where is infallibility ? Is it in Virginia ? Or is 
in Massachusetts ? If in the latter, shall we not have 
the satisfaction to see it fully exhibited the present year ? 
The enemies of our general government, have now 
their whole hearts' desire ; they can raise or lower sala- 
ries, 15 just as they please ; make or unmake officers. 
Notwithstanding they thus have their whole hearts de- 
sire, the conjecture is hazarded, that like the preacher, 
they may exclaim, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 
Madison is still a Mordecai to them. They praise him, 



13 

to dispraise his predecessor. 16 We hope, and trust, 
they will go their lengths and pass by. Then it will be 
a happy day to us, as a nation. 

Small indeed the pleasure, or real satisfaction, a 
man, yet alive to the weight of truth, the whispers of 
conscience and the exhortations of justice, can receive 
from rising to a seat of political eminence, through dis- 
cord, false representation of matters of fact, and speak- 
ing ill of the rulers of the people, and their measures, 
when through their benign and desired effect, as to the 
special object designed, he has nothing left for him to 
do, that shall immortalize his name, or cover his fame 
with the laurels of his country's approbation, for signal 
services done her. Thousands and thousands, neverthe- 
less, wish for offices. If mere sinecures, it matters not 
with them, while they alone aie the exclusive patriots of 
the country. Their patriotism is of the most doubtful 
gender, who have secretly, or openly countenanced an 
infraction upon the laws, founded upon the wise princi- 
ple of chusijig the least of two evils. 

Those laws, which laid the embargo, were the re- 
sult of absolute necessity. Our neutrality had been 
wantonly violated, by two rival and conflicting nations 
of Europe. Reparation for repeated spoliations would 
much sooner been offered us, had not a want of patri- 
otism been among us, upon which the dominant par- 
ty* in this state, have risen to power. 17 

The wheels of our political felicity have been un- 
happily retarded, by a faction, which in conformity to 
the advice of our mother country, have industriously 
sown the seed of discord among us. This may be in 

* Lean majority. 



ferred from the truth, there are among us those, who 
though they profess to be the humble disciples of Wash- 
ington, do yet disrelish every speech from the house of 
lords, in favour of America. Such must be, in a poli- 
tical sense, in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniqui- 
ty. It is fondly hoped, such may never compose the 
majority in our national councils, for should they, the 
ark of our political safety would be upset and all its 
sacred deposits spilt on the tempestuous sea of anarchy 
and confusion. 

Let us then solemnly renew our covenant, this 
day, to support our independence, against the vile ma- 
chinations of such. As it came not without, so let us 
resolve, it shall never go without blood. Let concord 
be our pole-star, and the sage advice written not only 
upon the table of our hearts, but even upon the posts of 
our doors, " United we stand, divided we fall." Kind 
heaven, may the former even be our wisdom and hap- 
piness as a people, and the latter never our folly and 
infelicity. 

Were there a division of these States to take place, 
which is a fond projection of some, a second, if not the 
first Bonaparte, would take the lead of one, triumphant- 
ly over the other division, and then the pleasing festivi- 
ties of this day would be erased from the page of our 
national honour and happiness. 

We have been called unto liberty. Let us not be 
malicious ; let us not descend to licentiousness, the 
paltry fruits of which have too far diseased our land. 
When it will be healed, is concealed from us, by the 
impenetrable vail of futurity. Thus much lies within 
our cognizance, that when " Common Sense in Disha- 



15 

bille," shall have a candid hearing, and candour no 
more be frowned from the stage, there will be a happy 
reaction, which, however, is not wanted only in two 
or three members of our great political body. These 
members have been not a little maimed, by a multi- 
plicity of misrepresentations, to answer, as they have 
already done, an electioneering purpose.* 

Every thing but the naked sword has been drawn 
against the last administration, and from what has trans- 
pired, we may conjecture how the present will be 
treated. Mr. Madison does not boast kvva line of 
things made ready to his hands. He knows, he has 
entered into another man's labours, and is disposed to 
give them that finishing stroke, which shall correspond 
with their commencement or projection. If we would 
respect him, let it be, by submission to his rule, and 
not by an evasion of his laws. If patriotic, we shall 
not oppose the rulers of our own constitutional choice. 
If, therefore, in directing the wheels of administration, 
they cross our path, we shall stay the hand of rebellion, 
and wait till a new election come round. — If such pru- 
dence, if such generosity be not general, among our 
fellow citizens, America, the great, the rich, and the 
enlightened America, will fall, like Lucifer from heaven, 
to rise no more. 

To the continuation of our national pence and in- 
dependence, it is requisite, our fellow citizens form 
good resolves. A host of resolves, however, have been 
drawn up against the general government, and voted 
into publication, within a year past, respecting which, 

* " Rather be at war with every nation on the earth, than be subject' 
ID an embargo."— Gov. Gore. 



16 

suffer us to conjecture, that those \\ho;penned, and 
those who voted their being made public, seeing how 
things of national concern have transpired in Europe, 
would be glad, should it be the fate of the prints con- 
taining them, to become wrapping, instead of filed pa- 
pers. Aware of the folly attached to them and the il- 
legality of the spirit, upon which they were projected, 
and wishing to extenuate the weight of future censure, 
they who introduced, and those who abetted them, 
have had recourse to the pitiable, the laughable leger- 
demain of dubbing Mr. Madison with the name fed- 
eralist ! ! This is a title , explained agreeable to the nexv 
style, he utterly disclaims. 

Club law will never support our independence, nor 
consider our blood sacred, while we walk the streets, 
when we meet those averse from the doctrine of equal 
rights. Who shall be judges, whether the laws re- 
garding the lives of citizens shall be obeyed or not, 
when those laws are trampled upon ? shall those, who 
have most solemnly sworn to support the constitution, 
the laws of the land, and of the state, in which they 
respectively reside ; to keep the peace, with impunity, 
not only break this, but evade the laws ? are we to live 
forever in confusion, party, and hatred, because civil 
officers are not multitudinous enough to gratify the un- 
bounded ambition of those exclusive patriots, who have 
laid themselves under an anathsma, they will not rest, 
tho' they eat and drink like epicures, until they have es- 
tablished, upon the ruins of heavenly republicanism, 
the trap door edifice of aristocracy, the capstone of 
which has this inscription, " Praise that you would dis- 
" praise, and refuse to receive that, which you have 



17 

"asked." 18 Should those, who pay their humble de- 
voirs to this creed of anglo federalism, take the reins 
of government into their hands, the phrase will imme- 
diately occur to our minds, ride and tie. 

When common sense and honesty shall rise to tneir 
wonted height, from the oppressions under which they 
have unhappily fallen, in any section of our national 
rotine, then America will have occasio 1 to rejoice. 

With proper reflections upon corrupt nature, be- 
hold the man, through the measures he has warmly dis- 
approbated, by an undue comment upon them, or 
charging them with being the fruit of French influence, 
taking the chair of state, and most cordially embracing 
an escort, and then contrast his merits and his political 
meekness, with another's refusing the same, though 
chosen by more thousands 19 than the former had hund- 
reds. The patriots of this state have professed to en- 
tertain the most pure compassion on such as have been 
embarassed by the embargo, and especially for poor fish- 
ermen ! ! but stop, and think. The money expended 
in the escort to his Excellency, would have, had it been 
appropriated to that purpose, relieved the necessities of 
all, who, in these parts, were rendered peculiarly pinch- 
ed by the embargo. The poor were not so much the 
object, as office. But we would not say, depart in 
peace, be ye warmed, filled, and clothed. But then ev- 
ery thing must be devised to bolster up a weak and tot- 
tering cause ! ! 

Cheat and play, if I may be indulged a vulgarism, 
will never prosper long. The truth is great, and will 
prevail. The eyes of the deluded will before long be 
opened, and the sun of republicanism will return from 



18 

his declination, from this part of our political world, and 
sweetly dry the canvass, which haS so iong been furled, 
not through the folly of our government, but the injus- 
tice of foreign nations, and particularly that nation, 
which so many adore, and which, at last, contrary to 
their wire woven speeches and sophisticated arguments, 
lias come forward, and owned, that she has not only 
done " us essential injury" but herself also not a little 
harm. 

This fact laughs the speech of a Sloane out of coun- 
tenance : 20 " To what a degree of stupidity" and ab- 
surdity he must have been reduced, t ) make the asser- 
tion, in his ever memorable speech, as set forth, by the 
federalists! that, "the embargo was a measure, so far 
" lucrative to Great Britain, that could she ensure its 
" continuance for scvi n years to come, by defraying 
*' the whole expense of the American government, she 
''would gladly do it." I would not too far meddle 
with or disturb the patriotic friendship of this modern 
Demosthenes, by saying, how incompatible is his asser- 
tion with the mission* of an Oakley ! ! 

Our form of government is the best on earth, and 
needs therefore the best support. The best of men 
will support it. It looks to equal rights, " The rights 
of man." While it has its evils, so has every other 
kind of government. But the evils would be hap- 
pily diminished, did our fellow citizens respect virtue, 
as they ought. Then let no one speak against it. It 
opens its honours, its profits, and it„ oTices equally to all, 
equally qualified. So wide is the door ol American great- 
ness, that not unfrequently, the disqualified enter with 

* We predict, it will prove an earthen vessel. 



19 

those who ore worthy, by talent and practice, a part in 
administration. Let patience have its perfect work. 
Each spoke in our political wheel cannot be a top at the 
same time, but resolves in turn to rise. Let Americans 
show themselves men ; show themselves patriots, and 
show themselves patrons of virtue, and we shall have 
continued to our enjoyment all the felicities of national 
concord, ail the blessings of a truly republican gov- 
ernment. 

What, fellow citizens, renders heaven so desirable 
an abode, but the sacred harmony, which there resides ? 
On the contrary, what renders hell the topan of misery, 
but discord and strife ? How all important unanimity 
and concord, in neighbourhoods, towns, counties, states 
and confederated republics ? How necessary concord in- 
die universe ? How baleful is party ? Is concord so ne- 
cessary in the planetary system, that without it the 
stars would fall from heaven, the sun and moon not 
give their light ? If so necessary, let us, this day, pay 
our sacred vows to its shrine, and we shall have peace 
in all our borders and prosperity in all our palaces. 

There is a nobility in our country, which wants not 
a little softening down. Unhappily for their repeated 
assertions, that they possess all the money, all the learn- 
ing, and all the religion, for antichrist is found in this 
selfsame pod, which discloses to our view, our political 
adversary, who, in diverse colours, sits, in satanic ma- 
jesty, judge supreme of a.l good sentiments and elegant 
composition, and has notified his lodgings are taken up 
in Boston. He and his satellites rail against French in- 
jiuence ! ! But are we not in as much danger, if not 
vastly more, of northern influence ? Why go the fed- 



20 

eralists, if so afraid of southern influence, to the south- 
ward for a candidate for the Presidency ? Consistency 
is peculiarly desirable, being the handmaid of national 
concord ? 

Federalism, if we must use names, is, notwithstanding 
assertions to the contrary, on its wane. It would not 
have thus risen to fall, had it not been for the embargo, 
which would have six months sooner been raised, had 
it not been for Essex Juntoism. — Its members have in- 
dustriously circulated reports to Great Britain, that we 
were so much divided, as to be open to her depreda- 
tions and insults on all sides. But the snare is broken 
and we are escaped. We are now permitted to trade, 
" without interruption from British cruisers, with all 
" the ports of Russia, Norway, and Sweden in the North- 
" ern Ocean with the whole circuits of the Baltic Sea ; 
"with the British Isles ; with Spain from the eastern ex- 
tremity of Austrias to the Southern bank of Lobreg;.t ; 
" and Italian and French ports excepted, with every 
"harbour of the Mediterranean from the straits of Gib- 
< c raltar to the sea of Marmora." 

While we rejoice, it is with trembling. From past, 
we infer future events. Great Britain, will* ere long 
again crowd against us. But we have this for our con- 
solation, that her peculiar friends here, will intercede 
with her to respect us, as they have already done, in 
their ever memorable resolves ! Though in the height 
of their chagrin, they have endeavoured to crop Mr. Jef- 
ferson of his laurels, yet like some vegetables, he will 
grow the faster for being cropped. The embargo of 
federal delusion will be raised, and then he will advance 

* She has done it since the delivery of this. 



21 

with full spread sails to the approbation of future pa- 
triots. Is it inquired, of what use was the embargo ? 
We answer, it saved our shipping and men with their 
property. Is it not advisable for a man, to save his 
furniture, when his house is threatened with devouring 
fl.mes ? If by the embargo, our national wealth has 
been retarded, we have no reason to complain, when wc 
consider, that it is not good for individuals and nations, 
without intermission to walk in the golden slippers of 
wealth and luxury. — Our prosperity has been nearly, if 
not entirely equal to that of the Israelites. L. j t us then, 
as wise men and true patriots, resolve we will know 
how to abound and how to suffer need. Whatsoever 
may be the bread of our opponents, never let it be ours, 
that, "justice is a phantom; reason a chimera; mar- 
" riage a trifle ; the faith of treaties an illusion ; peace 
" but a bait ; that cabals ought to be ensnaring ; oaths 
" but a sport for children, a trap to catch cullies and a 
" charm for fools," and that smuggling ought to be re- 
spectable, and resolves against the general government 
honourable. 

We have heard much incompatible with matters of 
real fact, this side the water, let us hear what has been 
said across it, in favor of our country. " We know, 
" that Mr. Pinckney did, in a communication, dated 
"February, (1808) on the part of the American govern- 
" ment, strongly remonstrate against those very orders 
" in council. There has been a considerable diminu- 
" tion in your exports and imports, I will say to the 
" amount of eleven millions. But suppose such a 
" diminution did not amount to more than 7, 8 or 9 
" millions, still it is sufficient to prove, that the effect 



<.)<*} 



"has completely contradicted every boasted promise." 
That is, we interpret, upon the promised dissensions 
in America, which were fostered by a T. Pickering, 
whose disorganizing pamphlet, received two or three 
editions in England. " Equally futile and inefficient 
" was the hope of an unlimited supply of raw materials 
" for our manufactories. From America, previous to 
" these orders, Great Britain imported cotton wool 
" 32,000,0001b. Since that part of the world has been 
" :losed gainst our commerce, what has been our sup- 
" ply ? From Asia, Portuguese settlements in S. Amer- 
<4 ica, we have imported 5,000,0001b." These arc the 
words of a W itbread in the house of lords, I would 
gl dly quote v, hole pages but my limits will not per- 
mit. However, I must add, " If you wish to ascertain 
" lie ex cut of the injury inflicted on this country, by 
" the orders, I call upon you to reflect, upon the con- 
"dition ol the extensive town of Manchester, where 
" out of 49,000 persons employed, before the orders in 
" council," or the American embargo, the result of 
the same, " a far greater part are thrown out of bread ; 
" where of the numerous cotton mills, which were em- 
" ployed, thirty-two are now idle, and only six are at 
" work. Cast your eyes to Ireland, and behold the state 
" of its linen manufacture for want of flax seed. What in 
" God's name, do you want of America ?" May we not 
answer for the noble lord, more of their smuggling re- 
solutions ? " By listening to the offer in August last," 
(1808) made by Mr. Jefferson six months before he 
ceased to be president, " England might have secured 
" two advantages ; the repeal of the embargo and the 
" next of having America for an ally." 



23 

These assertions are in a most masterly manner 
basked, in the speech of lord Grenville. Would to 
heaven, in order to the independence of America be- 
ing continued, both these speeches might be read and 
improved by every American. They abundantly clear 
Mr. Adams from the charge of being in his dotage. 
How wonderfully strange, how inexpressibly great the 
generosity, wisdom, and patriotism of these federalists 
then, who, if any, deserve the name jacobins and disor- 
ganisers ! I make this explanation, because there are 
many valuable men, who belong to the federal party, 
whom I highly respect, and who have acknowledged 
the fact, that the past administration has been belied 
and that, through a British faction. 

I humbly respect, and in so doing, speak the sen- 
timents of my auditors, every man, who means well to 
this glorious land, let him be called either a federalist 
or a republican. But then every good man is a re- 
publican. Aristocracy has no recommendation, in the 
gospel, for its sentiments are of a republican essence. 
Call no man master on earth, &c. 

To the gospel then, fellow citizens, let us pay our 
reverence, and our land will be healed and preserved. 
We are a great nation, and if we live in concord and 
peace at home, we shall be respected abroad, and this 
would liberate us from any more embargoes. But 
there will be worse ones than the last, unless that spirit 
shall subside, which gave rise to the many resolutions, 
composed and published, within a year past, against the 
general government. 

What is no more strange than true, these resolutions 
have, in spirit, been sanctioned in his excellency's in- 



24 

augural speech, after recommending therein, to a great 
length, our pacific religion, which requires obedience 
to law and order. If more consistency be not exercised 
among us, we shall be disturbed at home, and scorned 
abroad, and hence, should we send ambassadors and 
ministers to seek for national redress, we should have 
no reason to expect, but what like David's messengers, 
they would be sent home half shaved. 21 

If ever ruined, we shall do it ourselves. Propitious 
heaven has put every requisite price into our hands to 
obtain wisdom to direct in religious and civil matters. 
The permanent supports of our independence are with- 
in our reach. Then let us no more give food to that 
cage of unclean birds, which Hamilton hatched and 
brooded until he was taken from them, by the rapa- 
cious talons of a Burr, that hawk of democracy. 

The party, which has thus taken its origin, have used 
every mean to attach to their cause, the clergy, and to 
lead them to the same measure of excess. Too many 
of them have diverted from their office. Have not 
the\' refused to pray for the rulers of the people ? If ru- 
lers are good men, they need not prayers so much, as if 
they were of the contrary character. Have not some 
proved false prophets, for religion has not been destroy- 
ed, nor have our bibles and meeting houses been burnt ? 
If all accounts are true, we have from one quarter and 
another, religion never flourished more in this country, 
than it has during the administration of Thomas Jef- 
ferson. 

We have to rejoice, that the lines have fallen to us 
in pleasant places, where a preached gospel is enjoyed. 
We have to rejoice, that under the banners of our inde- 



25 

pendence, and the good sense of our fellow citizens at 
large, we have one of our own choice, at the head of our 
national council. And we heartily rejoice, that Mrs. 
Liberty did not actually die, on his being inaugurat- 
ed, though she was formally honoured with a funeral 
procession, in one of the opposition papers, in Boston. 
This did not display patriotism ; this did not exhibit 
good sense ; this did not display learning, and this did 
not exhibit a humble sense of religion. 

The majority must rule, whether federal or repub- 
lican, rebellion is not patriotism, nor is smuggling. 
The poor were inspired greatly by this, and still feel 
the folly of it, though not chargeable with it. But we 
have to rejoice, that with prudence and economy, we 
may soon gain more than we lost by the recent restric- 
tions upon our commerce. America is rich enough, 
however embarrassed certain individuals may be. The 
poor we shall always have with us, and they, who are 
strong, should bear the infirmities of the weak and not 
still farther depress them, by augmenting their own sala - 
ries. 

We rejoice, and again, I say, we rejoice, this day, 
in our separation from Great Britain, and in that re- 
spect she has at last paid to the measures of Jefferson's 
administration. He made the voyage, which has pro- 
cured us our present reconciliation with Great Britain 
but Madison brought the ship in, and to his honour, 
he refuses any thing farther than maters wages. We 
hope those, who were opposed to his election, who now 
sing Hosanna to him, will not soon be heard to cry, 
crucify him, crucify him, he is under French influence ! ! 
O tempora et mores ! Who are so much afraid of this 
4 



26 

influence ? They, only, who are under British influence. 
Of this the beloved Washington thus speaks to colonel 
Humphries. "For God's sake, tell me, what is the 
"cause of all these commotions? Do they proceed 
" from licentiousness, British influence, disseminated by 
" tories, or from real grievances, which admit of re- 
" dress ?" The colonel answers, from all three. Now 
was not Washington superannuated as much as Mr. 
Adams is ? The following extracts, will liberate the 
latter from the charge of being in his dotage. " There 
" is a distinction founded in truth and nature, between 
u party and faction. The former is founded in princi- 
''ple and system, concerning the public good : the lat- 
" ter in private interest and passions. An honest par- 
" ty man will never exclude talents and virtues, and 
" qualities eminently useful to the public, merely on 
" account of a difference in opinion. A factitious man 
" will exclude every man alike, saint or sinner, who 
"will not be a blind, passive tool." We say peace, 
honour, and prosperity to this venerable sage and patriot. 
He stands. to the last for his land, and to the last, we 
give him our praise. 

Let us all consider the need of concord among our 
fellow citizens, and do all in our power to contribute to 
its happy increase. Our independence is an unspeak- 
able gift. Let us not pint with this national birth right , 
for a mess of pottage ; and as it came not zvithout, so 
never let us part with it, without blood. Let not fac- 
tion lull us to sleep with her Siren song, for then she 
would wake us with her lash. She professes to spread 
a bed of roses for us, but let us beware of the bramble, 
as well as of the thorns. Let us beware, while we read 



m 

•<yf " some, who trusted in themselves, that they were 
righteous and despised others." 

I express the wish of this audience, and of all the 
most respectable part of America, when I say, would 
to heaven, that all real matters of fact, might be made 
known to all residing in this country, whether male or 
female. Let the latter rejoice with us, in the services 
of this day, for our wives and daughters must be inter- 
ested with us, in the support of our independence. It 
is in their power to aid, not a little, its continuance, and 
may they do it. 

This celebration should be peculiarly interesting to 
our best feelings. We ought to keep this d:iy, in the 
bonds of chastity and concord, decently, patriotically, 
and in order. May our independence, through patri- 
otic sentiments and manful practice, be transmitted 
down to our children and theirs forever. Let us " be of 
good courage, and let us play the men, for our people, 
and for the cities of our God, and the Lord do that, 
which seemeth him right." Let it be our wisdom 
to contemn the folly of such as abuse those who dif- 
fer from them in sentiment. Let us treat, with just 
contempt, their conduct, who have called Mr. Jefferson 
a negro president, for he was no more so, than was 
Washington and Adams, or than Madison now is. Such 
illiberality, such low abuse, however low, poor and irre- 
ligious republicans may be, they utterly despise. Let 
us be steadfast J 22 

We glory in republicanism and when reviled with 
the opprobrious name, a bramble, we feel disposed to 
say with Paul of Tarsus, "it is a small matter, whether 
"we are judged with men's judgment," more especial 



28 

ly those men, who do not show themselves men, nor 
friends to the country, in candour, generosity, and true 
patriotism. 

Such a glorious land as ours, so inexpressibly fa- 
voured by heaven, is entitled to our most sincere and 
solemn vows, in its support. See how fertile are hills 
and vales ? How delightful its landscapes, even on these 
barren shores ! How numerous are its thriving cities ? 
How rapidly, and how numerously, towering steeples 
arise, which bespeak attention to the public worship of 
God? 

With the fruit of the field, we may gather of the 
riches of the sea, if we remain united and resolve to 
respect the powers that be. 23 But to discord, disunion 
and aristocratical juntoism or faction, let us say, get ye 
far from us, ye are an offence unto the independence of 
the nation, we have now been celebrating. 



NOTES. 



(1) THE time is better spent, in describing- the means, requisite to con- 
tinue our independence, than in giving a history, how we came by it. He 
is a skilful physician, who knows how to make an application, suitable for 
the disease, whether the disease be for a commission or not ! ! 

(2) Washington speaks of tories and British influence. It has had a 
rapid growth since his decease. 

(3) The charge of dotage in Mr. Adams, by the federalists, is as ridi- 
culous as ungenerous, as is also the charge of blind partiality, in Mr. Jef- 
ferson towards France. The suggestion, that Mr. Adams would not have 
come forward, in public, as he has done, unless excited to it, by his son 
John Q. Adams, is highly puerile, if we admit him to be superannuated, 
for no person, exercised with filial love and respect, could wish to expose 
to public scorn an aged parent ! ! 

(4) Dr. Osgood cannot be supposed to have the knowledge, which Mr. 
Adams has of Mr. Jefferson. — Mr. Adams' knowledge, is personal, but Dr. 
Osgood's is only newspaper knowledge, or that, which is not far better, 
pamphlet knowledge. 

(5) Dr. Emmons has laboured himself much, in a sermon upon this 
day, to prove that none have a right to celebrate it, but the federalists ! '■ 
It is a difficult matter indeed, to see how they can sincerely celebrate it, 
when so many of them want to bring us under the yoke of Britain again." 

(7) Dr. Osgood's election sermon, May 1809. 

(8) Instances have not been wanting, in which itinerants have introduc- 
ed themselves, upon the political imprudence of the standing order of the 
clergy. Sectarians will be opposed to them, and therefore, it is best for 
them not to be too high in politics, they ought to show their moderation un- 
to all men. 

(9) It is said, there is a very great change from republican to federal 
sentiments. To this assertion, it is replied, that is only of those, whose 
ruling passion being interest, became chagrined at the embargo. It was 
upon the back of this, the governor of Massachusetts took the chair of 
state. " I wish him" as in a fast discourse of mine, which was falsely so 
called, highly federal, I did Mr. Jefferson, " the greatest good." 



(10) Mr. Gardenier, -who not long- since escaped a duel, with only his 
skin in his teeth, is, it appears, in a vei'y long 1 speech of his, of the contra- 
ry opinion, as he endeavours to prove that lord Grenville is, in Great 
Britain, what he himself is in America, a jacobin. "We see how the lead- 
ers of the federalists conduct, we would rather say of the British faction, 
for there are many, who are called federalists, that are honest meaning men. 
If "Jefferson" is " blacker,'" if a doctor, who says, lie " deserves the hal- 
ter as much as Benedict Arnold" is esquired, let it be enquired, who led 
such ? What became of Hamilton ? What did Selfridge do ? What did 
Gardenier do ? Did he fight a duel ? In those thing's, &.c. there appears to 
be some jacobinism. 

(11) Mr. Quincy made last winter a motion in Congress, to second 
which nobody appeared. We would not infer from this, he is not a good 
man, or that he is not a man of learning. This would be federal logic, 
with which we have long" been fatigued. 

(12) Dr. Osgood's sermon at general election, May 1809. Its like has 
never before been, nor never will be again. 

(13) Self and vicinity experience is the best proof we can wish, in cer- 
tain cases. 

(14) It is said, by good authority, that Mr. Madison is not so constant 
in his attendance upon public worship, as Mr. Jefferson. Why have not 
the federalists then come forward and charged him with infidelity ? We 
answer, because they are not ignorant of the truth of the adage — It is hard 
to catch old birds with chaff! ! The clergy may pray for him ! Why did they 
not for Mr. Jefferson ? — Because they thought hiin beyond the grasp of di- 
vine mercy and pardon ! " Be astonished, O heavens, and give ear, O earth !" 

(15) It is perfectly right, men in station, whether civil or ecclesiastical, 
should have an handsome support. But the cause of the poor, in times of 
difficulty and distress, is to be consulted. They have many addresses 
made to their passions, by the exclusive patriots of the land, taking " the em- 
bargo for text," but has their suffrages for the governor, brought them one 
single cent's profit ? Heaven knows it has not. Salaries have been raised, a 
part of which they must pay. Some high federalists have been put into of- 
fice, who will say, you must bow to me, now that I am made justice of the 
peace, although 1 have broken it, and resolved against it ! ! ! 

(16) Judas betrayed his master with a kiss and consented to it, for sil- 
ver. Auri sacra fames. 

(17) Every misfortune that has happened has, by some, been ascribed 
to the embargo ! But every advantage the federalists now enjoy, they o-we 
lo it. 

(18) A man, in this vicinity, who penned the resolves of the town he re. 
sides in, and who says, they bid defiance to the hand of criticism, and that 



33 

" Thomas Jefferson is as deserving' the halter, as Benedict Arnold," is among 1 
the very first honoured with the commission of justice of the peace, if there 
be any honour in it ! This commission has sunk more than 90 per cent, 
within 25 years, for that distance of time transpired, a person had only to 
say, he was going- to the 'squire's as every body knew who the 'squire was. 
But now every thing- is an esquire. The doctor is an esquire and Ae esquire 
is a doctor, the captain is a mate and the mate is a captain. Distinction is 
nearly lost. Fashions are worthless, when they become common. — But 
certain persons must be rewarded for their labours in this depreciated coin .'.' 

(19) Governor Snyder. 

(20) He is too insignificant a character to be mentioned, but for the 
honour of those, who extolled his speech and honoured it with a separate 
sheet .' ! 

(21) II. Samuel. 

(22) True patriotism stands aloof from those who repeatedly turn their 
political coat. Some are charged with this versatility, to whom the charge 
does not apply, but mucli better to those, who make it, for it is they only, 
God knows, who have left Washington and Adams, though they pretend to 
hold to the former. — Change is more in the times, than in the views and 
sentiments of certain individuals. Bujflet every man own the truth, as it 
comes to light, be it popular or the reverse, for to say, we were in an error 
yesterday, is only to say, we are wiser to day, than we were then Happy is 
the man that getteth wisdom. 

(23) The good man never thinks his glory comes too late. Mr. Jefferson 
will have his reward. The recent conduct of Great Britain, in kicking 
over the full pail of milk, which she gave, will terminate to his honouring the 
justification of the embargo. It is hoped, that every man, who would be 
considered a true American, will, in future, be very spare in his commen- 
dation of Great Britain, as she has now done what she has repeatedly 
done before, proved that she is not to be trusted out of sight. — She says 
yes to-day and no to-morrow. It is no wonder that those, who advocate 
her injustice, should send letters sine nomine, and postage unpaid. The man 
must know his cause to be dirty, who refuses to give his name. — I looked 
to the junto caucus and behold iniquity -was there. 



Errata.-. The reference to the second note should have been placed at tire 
md of the fifth line from the bottom of the fourth page. 



> 




I BINDERY r 
3 V 1903 j, 



